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| USAAF 5th AF 71st TRG 17th TRS |
Pilot 1st Lt. Burwell M. Vowell, O-755468 (MIA / KIA, BR) Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. Robert J. Gaines (MIA / KIA, BR) Navigator 1st Lt. Richard L. Hershey (MIA / KIA, BR) Armoror-Gunner SSgt William E. Davies, Jr. (MIA / KIA, BR) Radio SSgt James C. Smith (MIA / KIA, BR) Engineer SSgt Robert L. Allman (MIA / KIA, BR) Passenger 1st Lt. Van Kennon (MIA / KIA, BR) Cameron, TX Crashed December 26, 1944 at 11:30pm MACR 12604 Aircraft History Built by North American Aviation (NAA). Constructors Number 100-87296. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-25D-25 Mitchell serial number 42-87296. Ferried overseas via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group (71st TRG), 17th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (17th TRS). Nicknamed "Montana Maid". When lost, engines R2600-13 serial numbers 41-29773 and 43-22127. Mission History On December 26, 1944 took off from San Jose Airfield piloted by 1st Lt. Burwell M. Vowell on a strike against the Japanese task force in the Mindoro Strait off western Mindoro. After spotting the task force, the formation returned to San Jose Airfield then took off again immediately to bomb and strafe the Japanese warships. Returning in heavy rains, ran out of fuel attempting to reach Tacloban Airfield on Leyte. When this aircraft failed to return it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Also lost is B-25D "The Mad Mizurian" 42-87297 pilot 2nd Lt William N. Hatcher (MIA). Recovery of Remains Postwar, the remains of the crew were recovered and transported to the United States for permanent burial. Memorials The entire crew was officially declared dead the day of the mission. On September 30, 1949 buried at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in a group burial at section E, sites 160-161. Kennon also has a memorial marker at Walkers Creek Cemetery in Cameron, TX. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-25D-25 Mitchell 42-87296 "87296 (71st BG) lost Dec 26, 1944, SW Pacific." FindAGrave - Burwell M Vowell (group burial photo) FindAGrave - Robert J Gaines (photo, group burial photo) FindAGrave - Richard L Hershey (photo, group burial photo) FindAGrave - William E Davies, Jr (news, group burial photo) FindAGrave - James C Smith (group burial photo) FindAGrave - Robert L Allman (group burial photo) FindAGrave - Van Kennon (photo, group burial photo) FindAGrave - Lieut Van Kennon (photo, memorial marker photo) Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated November 28, 2025 |
 B-25  Dec 26, 1944  MIA 7 Missing Resolved |
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